Did you ever read a book and enjoy it so thoroughly that you slowed down in its final few chapters because you knew it would end too soon?
That's how I felt reading Humankind by Dutch historian Rutger Bregman.
It's a book that has a very simple message, namely, "that most people, deep down, are pretty decent."
Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, the author builds a solid case for his simple theory as one by one, he dispels the misinformation and myth around everything from the savagery displayed in Lord of the Flies and the Second World War to the supposed indifference we have to the suffering of strangers.
Bregman explains that we are hardwired for cooperation rather competition, for kindness rather than selfishness, for trust over suspicion.
He relates some wonderful stories about people who, by believing in the innate goodness of others, have helped change the world for the better. In particular, I appreciated his story about the twin brothers who dissented on apartheid and then later came together to help Nelson Mandela end that practice in South Africa. On a much smaller scale, there's the story of Julio Diaz who was mugged at knifepoint coming out of a subway station. As the assailant fled the scene, Diaz called after him to come back and take his coat too. The mugger was shocked by the man's kindness and moments later agreed to let the generous man take him for a meal on the condition he hand over his knife. Really quite amazing!
The implications of this book are far reaching. When we think the worst of people, we only see the down side in every situation. Conversely, by believing in others, we can look forward to world of bright possibilities
I hope you get a chance to read this refreshing and hopeful book.
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